In addition to scenic rock formations and pristine hardwood forests, expect to encounter plenty of first-rate trout habitat on the South Branch. A small to medium-sized stream along U.S. Route 220 upstream of Franklin (in Pendleton County), the South Branch turns into a medium-to-large river downstream of Franklin.

The Smoke Hole section of the river is one of the best stretches to fish before the stream transverses approximately 11 miles of inaccessible land as it winds toward Petersburg. Although trout have been found below Petersburg, the South Branch gets too warm during the summer to support much of a trout fishery in and around Petersburg.

The most promising habitat to fish on the South Branch will be the river's deep pools. Many are composed of ledges, which have helped maintain the integrity of the river's pools despite some devastating floods. Anglers will find the river's larger trout embedded within these pools. Sandwiched between these pools are productive riffle areas that give the South Branch a thriving mix of trout habitat.

The South Branch features one special regulations area. Located downstream of Upper Tract in the Smoke Hole section, this one-mile-long catch-and-release area starts two miles below U.S. Route 220 at Eagle Rock and extends downstream. For springtime anglers, the special regulation area represents a great place to find lunker trout.

ELK RIVER
From its headwaters all the way to the town of Webster Springs, the Elk River is known as one of West Virginia's top trout streams. Featuring an excellent mix of trophy opportunities and hefty numbers, the Elk provides a variety of trout options for the serious angler.

Year in and year out, the Elk remains one of the top streams in the state for yielding quantities of trout. A healthy stocking program keeps the river full of hatchery-raised fish, but native trout inhabit this pristine stream as well.

"Elk River is one of our more heavily stocked streams with over 18 miles of relatively accessible river receiving trout," said fisheries biologist Shingleton.

During an average year, the Elk will receive in the neighborhood of 24,000 pounds of trout. While stocking merely puts trout in the stream, it is the Elk's habitat and clean, cool water that allows the trout fishery to do so well. As the stream passes through Randolph and Webster counties, it carries an abundance of limestone and cobble-lined pools. These pools help sustain trout throughout the year by providing protection and cool water.

The Elk has always been a favorite among serious trout anglers, and fly-rodders in particular have traditionally enjoyed fishing the Elk. Elk River trout seem to respond eagerly to fly presentations in the spring and early summer, and this fishery can accommodate plenty of anglers.

When trout become finicky, smart anglers will downsize their fly selections. Anglers who are willing to fish flies as small as size 22 usually see an increase in strikes, and even spin-casters can increase their chances by using lighter line and smaller lures.

State Route 15 and county Route (CR) 26 parallel Elk River for much of the river's length. Anglers can access prime trout fishing from numerous sections along this stretch of the river. The section of the Elk River near the community of Bergoo is an excellent area to fish. Anglers can also access the river from CR 26-1 and CR 49 on the upper end of the stocked portion of the Elk River.

Along with other high-profile trout waters, the Elk River features a fine catch-and-release section. This two-mile-long special regulation area runs from the Rose Run Bridge upstream to the old Elk Springs campground near the intersection of CR 49 and CR 60. Renowned for producing numerous big trout and great year-round fishing, this catch-and-release area ranks as one of the state's best.